Published Article

ABSTRACT

This study examined the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in buildings for optimum functionality and efficiency in Nigeria, focusing on its prospects and inhibiting factors. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The study was carried out in Nigeria and the targeted population for the study comprised of all the architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors and builders in Nigeria. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 20 Architects, 20 civil engineers, 20 quantity surveyors and 20 builders, each from 3 geographical zones in Nigeria (South-South, South-East and North-West), represented by Akwa Ibom State, Abia State, Kaduna State. This gave a total sample size of 240 respondents. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Artificial Intelligence for Optimum Functionality and Efficiency in Buildings Questionnaire” (AIOFEBQ). Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement and evaluation in order to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.89 and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical technique such as descriptive statistics to answer research questions. From the result of the data analysis, it was observed that for the roles of AI in providing optimum functionality and efficiency in buildings the highest percentage (16.67%) was recorded against “Improvement of Security and Safety Systems”. Also, from the result of the data analysis on the Prospect of AI in Building Optimum Functionality and Efficiency it was observed that the highest percentage (37.92%) was recorded against “Predictive Maintenance”. As regards the challenges of AI in providing optimum functionality and efficiency it was observed that the highest percentage (170.59%) was recorded against “Data Quality and Availability. Finally, as regards the mitigating strategies to the challenges of Adopting Artificial Intelligence in providing optimum functionality and efficiency, it was observed that the highest percentage (26.25%) was recorded against “Data Quality and Availability”. The study concluded that despite these challenges, AI has strong potential to improve building efficiency in Nigeria if supporting infrastructure, training, and policies are strengthened. One of the recommendations made was that the government should develop clear policies and regulatory frameworks to support AI adoption in building design, construction, and management.